Spotlights

Two UNC Charlotte alumni from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are among Charlotte Agenda’s 2017 class of “30 Under 30.” These individuals are “young people who are leaving their marks on the city like never before,” according to Charlotte Agenda. Ashley Pittman Bookout (’11) is owner and founder of Bookout Blooms. Ash Williams (’15, ’16) is a local community organizer.

Creating a scholarship is something Nan Wilson Wilkenfeld ‘14G has wanted to do for years. Scholarships helped her pay for her education, giving her access to new experiences, including traveling to a national conference as a graduate student. Thanks to her perseverance and generosity, the Nan Wilson Wilkenfeld Communication Studies Graduate Travel Scholarship was created in 2017.

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences alumna Tisha Greene, principal of the Oakhurst STEAM Academy, has received the 2017 Outstanding Administrator Award from the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. Greene received a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in English education from UNC Charlotte.

UNC Charlotte alumna Brenda Tindal, who is Levine Museum of the New South staff historian, sees history as a way to build community, while deepening our understanding of the past’s persistent influence. Tindal takes seriously her role as one of the most prominent public historians in the Charlotte region and the role the Levine Museum plays in community conversations.

As Hurricane Matthew pummels Florida and threatens Georgia and the Carolinas, UNC Charlotte meteorology alumni are tracking and reporting on the hurricane in this first week of October. These alumni are drawing upon their professional experience and also what they learned in classes and internships at UNC Charlotte.

Girls Rock Charlotte, a July summer camp that aims to amplify confidence and boost self-esteem through the power of rock music and leadership lessons, is giving young girls a positive voice. While the initiative is not a formal UNC Charlotte program, it draws many of its leaders and volunteers from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the university.

Distinguished College of Liberal Arts & Sciences alumni are among those honored in April by the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association for outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities and to the university.

UNC Charlotte alumnus Bobbie Cavnar of Gaston County is the North Carolina Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017. Cavnar, an English teacher, completed his master’s degree in English at UNC Charlotte and is described as an exceptional teacher who makes classic works of literature relevant.

UNC Charlotte Criminal Justice and Criminology alumnus Joseph D. Ramey has been promoted to Gaston County Police Chief. Ramey, a Cramerton native, joined the Gaston County Police in 1994 and replaces replaces James W. Buie, who retired after 30 years service with the department.

Alumnus Tim Keane, who received a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in architecture from UNC Charlotte, has been named Commissioner for the Department of Planning and Community Development for the City of Atlanta by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.